White Cheddar Broccoli Mac and Cheese

• servings: 4 servings
• active time: 10 minutes
• total time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

1/2 box small pasta shells (250 grams)

1/4 cup butter

1/4 cup all purpose flour

2 cups sharp white cheddar cheese (shredded)

1/3 cup parmesan cheese (grated)

3 cups 2% milk

2 garlic cloves (minced)

2½ cups broccoli (roughly chopped)

3/4 tsp salt

1/8 tsp nutmeg

1/4 tsp paprika

1/4 tsp red pepper flakes

1/8 tsp ground mustard

Directions

Begin by bringing a medium sized pot of salted water to boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions.During the last 2 minutes of cook time, add the chopped broccoli.Strain and set aside until ready to use.

While the pasta is cooking, prepare the sauce.To a large sauce pan set to low/medium heat, add the butter.

Add the garlic and let saute for 1 minute, just until fragrant.

Add all spices and let sauté for another minute.

Add the flour and whisk continuously until the flour has formed a paste. About 2 minutes.

On a low/medium heat, add one cup of milk at a time, whisking continuously until the sauce has thickened and no clumps remain.Be sure to let the sauce come to a simmer.

Add the white cheddar and parmesan cheese and whisk to combine until the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Taste the sauce to see if it needs any additional salt before adding the pasta and broccoli.

Remove from heat and combine the sauce with the pasta and broccoli.

Dish up and top with loads of fresh cracked pepper.

Enjoy!